McLaren 570S Spider makes its official debut

It’s finally here, the much-awaited open-air version of the McLaren 570S. Two years after McLaren launched the coupe form of the McLaren 570S, the British carmaker is now opening the order books for the new McLaren 570S Spider. As designed and engineered, the new McLaren 570S Spider is basically the same as the McLaren 570S Coupe, but without the fixed roof.

The new McLaren 570S Spider is essentially the third body style of the carmaker’s Sports Series product family (570 family), following the McLaren 570S Coupé and the McLaren 570GT. The main difference between the 570S Spider and the 570S Coupe is the fact that the open-top version comes with a retractable roof. Of course, the new 570S Spider still offers splendid levels of dynamism and refinement, coupled with supercar attributes and attitude.

As intended, the new two-seat, rear-wheel drive is provided with two-piece retractable hardtop made from lightweight composite panels. This sleek roof was engineered using the technology employed in the McLaren 650S and 675LT Spider models. Operated electrically with just a simple push of a button in the driver’s cockpit, the roof could be opened or closed in around 15 seconds, as long as the McLaren 570S Spider is travelling at speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

Interestingly, the McLaren 570S Spider is provided with a glazed wind deflector, which is also operated with a single push of a button. During deployment when the roof is down, this deflector could reduce wind-buffeting. It could also be lowered when the roof is up, when the driver wanted to let more sound and fresh air into the cabin.

Overall the operating mechanisms of the retractable hardtop add only 46 kg of extra weight to the 570S Spider. Since the 570S Spider is still underpinned by the carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis, its strength or stiffness remains at par with the Coupe version, thus there is no need for extra structural augmentations.

The high performance level of the McLaren 570S Spider is also thanks to its racecar-style, double-wishbone suspension that feature steel springs, twin-valve adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars. The new 570S rides on wheels measuring 19 inches on the front and 20 inches on the rear, with new 10-spoke lightweight forged alloy rim offered as an option. These wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P ZERO CORSA tires. The new 570S Spider features electro-hydraulically assisted power steering as well as carbon-ceramic brakes. Overall, the new 570S measures 4,530 mm (178.3 inches) in length with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm (105 inches), 1,202 mm (47.3 inches) in height and 2,095 mm (82.5 inches) in width (with mirror).

The new McLaren 570S features a rear spoiler that is 12 mm taller on the 570S Coupe. The taller spoiler of the 570S Spider is meant to offer more downforce to counter the aerodynamic disadvantages brought by having a different rear upper body design from the 570S Coupe.

Customers could choose from 20 exterior finishes for the 570S Spider, including three new hues -- Curacao Blue, Vega Blue and Sicilian Yellow. Interested customers could now order their 570S Spider -- hand-assembled in Woking, England – at a starting price of £164,750 (United Kingdom).

Due to be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 29, the 570S Spider could start arriving to the garage of customers in August.

Powertrain

Serving as the heart of the new McLaren 570S Spider is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine (McLaren M838TE) that delivers 570 PS of max output at 7,400 rpm and 600 Nm of peak torque available between 5,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm.

Mated to a quick and smooth seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with Launch Control technology, this V8 engine allows for an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 419 PS-per-ton (lightest dry weight). Translated into performance, this means the new McLaren 570S Spider could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.6 seconds.

When the roof is deployed, the new McLaren 570S Spider could go as fast as 328 km/h (204 mph). When the roof is lowered, the new 570S Spider could go as fast as 315 km/h (196 mph). Partly thanks to a stop-start system, the new 570S Spider could consume just 10.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.6 mpg) as per NEDC combined cycle and could emit just 249 grams of carbon dioxide per km.

Press Release

McLaren 570S Spider: a convertible without compromise

All the high-performance dynamic attributes and refinement of 570S Coupé with the added exhilaration of open-air drivingThird bodystyle in McLaren’s Sports Series product family, alongside Coupé and GTWorld debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK, June 29 – July 2, 2017Retractable hardtop using technology proven in McLaren 650S and 675LT SpidersJust 46kg weight premium over 570S Coupé and structural rigidity unchangedRoof takes just 15 seconds to open or close, at vehicle speeds of up to 40km/h (25mph)Electrically operated, glazed rear window/wind deflectorUnique-in-class combination of carbon fibre construction, mid-engined drivetrain layout and McLaren dihedral doorsExtended rear spoiler is 12mm higher than Coupé’s to compensate change in body shape3.8-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine with seven-speed, seamless-shift gearbox produces a class-leading 570PS and 600NmAcceleration from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.2 seconds and 328km/h (204mph) top speed are identical to 570S Coupé. Top speed with roof down is 315km/h (196mph)First 400 Spiders built will be launch edition models, following success of 720S launch editionAvailable to order now, priced from £164,750 (UK)The new McLaren 570S Spider combines the exceptional dynamism and refinement of the 570S Coupé with the extra exhilaration of open-air motoring. Hand-assembled in Woking, England, the 570S Spider is the most attainable McLaren Spider ever and brings supercar attributes such as carbon-fibre construction, a mid-engined layout and extreme performance for the first time to the luxury sports convertible segment.

The two-seat, rear-wheel drive 570S Spider is the third bodystyle in McLaren’s Sports Series portfolio, lining up alongside the Coupé and the GT. Compared to the Coupé, the 570S Spider adds a neatly integrated, retractable hardtop that when lowered delivers an even more immersive and exhilarating driving experience. The two-piece roof – which is engineered using technology proven in the McLaren 650S and 675LT Spider models – is constructed of lightweight composite panels and creates a purposeful, sleek appearance whether raised or lowered.

Most importantly, there are no performance compromises versus the 570S Coupé, with the Spider maintaining the same electrifying pace, dynamic excellence and impressive refinement. The carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis at the heart of all Sports Series cars does not suffer any reduction in strength or stiffness in convertible guise, or require any additional structural actions. This has allowed McLaren engineers to design and develop the 570S Spider without concerns that are potentially a significant issue with steel or aluminium structures.

“The McLaren 570S Spider is the most attainable McLaren Spider to date and adds yet another dimension to the McLaren Sports Series family. This is a convertible without compromise; its mid-engined layout and carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis guarantee the same thrilling dynamic performance and exceptional driver involvement enjoyed in a 570S Coupé, but with the added attraction of a retractable hard-top that delivers the extra exhilaration of roof-down motoring.”Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

Electrically operated from the driver’s seat using one simple control, the roof folds effortlessly to stow beneath a beautifully crafted tonneau cover that rises automatically to accommodate the lowered panels and returns to its closed position with the assistance of soft-close technology. The roof can be opened or closed in just 15 seconds, at vehicle speeds of up to 40km/h (25mph).

A glazed wind deflector can be electrically raised or lowered at the push of a button, providing further versatility with the roof up or down. The deflector reduces wind-buffeting when the roof is down and if desired can be lowered when the roof is raised to allow additional sound and fresh air into the cabin. Owners wanting to enjoy even more of the distinctive exhaust note of the new Spider can specify an optional sports system that features an ESG to channel exhaust sound towards the cabin, via the area beneath the tonneau cover.

The retractable hardtop is designed to withstand the severest conditions and is significantly more weather- and fade-resistant than fabric, yet with its operating mechanism adds just 46kg to the weight of the Spider; this is the only variance in weight between the new convertible and the 570S Coupé.

Supercar performance

The combination of lightweight carbon fibre construction and an incredibly potent 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine, means that the new 570S Spider is both more powerful and lighter than comparable convertibles, with an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 419PS-per-tonne (lightest dry weight).

Positioned behind the driver, the twin-turbocharged McLaren M838TE engine produces 570PS at 7,500rpm and torque of 600Nm between 5,000rpm and 6,500rpm. In combination with a rapid yet smooth seven-speed seamless-shift gearbox featuring Launch Control technology, the result is a luxury sports convertible with supercar acceleration from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.2 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in just 9.6 seconds.

Top speed is 328km/h (204mph) with the roof in place – identical to the 570S Coupé – and even with the roof lowered, the new Spider can reach 315km/h (196mph). Complementing this extreme performance is a stop-start system that contributes to overall efficiency; the 570S Spider returns official fuel economy of 10.7 litres/100km (26.6mpg) in the NEDC combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 249g/km.

Exceptional body control

McLaren’s new Spider employs racecar-style, double-wishbone suspension all-round, with steel springs, twin-valve adaptive dampers and anti-roll bars calibrated to the same exacting specification as the 570S Coupé. Body control is exceptional and the overall drive incredibly pure and rewarding, while retaining impressive comfort. Accessing the Active Dynamics Panel adds another level of personal choice, allowing the driver to choose from Normal, Sport or Track modes, for progressively softer or firmer suspension. This versatility ensures that the Spider is as at ease in everyday use as it is on a race track.

Electro-hydraulically assisted power steering, carbon-ceramic brakes and Pirelli P ZERO™ CORSA tyres are standard, while the latest chassis software both enhances the driving experience and increases safety. Developed originally for Formula 1™, Brake Steer aids cornering and reduces understeer by subtly applying braking force to the inside rear wheel as the driver turns in to a corner. Performance Traction Control calibrated by McLaren provides precise control in extreme situations, while the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system includes a ‘Dynamic’ mode with reduced intervention and increased ‘driftability’, allowing drivers to enjoy the 570S Spider’s dynamic potential with confidence.

Tailored design

The breath-taking body design is enhanced by a rear spoiler, finished in Dark Palladium grey (a visible carbon fibre finish is available at additional cost via McLaren Special Operations) and 12mm taller than the rear spoiler of the 570S Coupé. The higher spoiler provides additional downforce to offset the aerodynamic changes resulting from the Spider having a different rear upper body design, ensuring exceptional aerodynamic balance overall that is the equal of the Coupé.

Designed around a perfect driving position that puts the driver at the centre of the action, the sophisticated cabin blends exceptional levels of craftsmanship, quality and technology; hand-stitched leather on the seats, door casings, dashboard and centre console sits side-by-side with a 10-inch TFT main instrument cluster and a centrally mounted, 7-inch IRIS touchscreen through which climate control and infotainment functionality are managed.

Customers can choose from standard six-way-adjustable or optional eight-way adjustable electric memory seats, with luxurious Nappa leather or performance-oriented Alcantara® trim available at additional cost. Lightweight carbon-fibre-shelled sports seats, the same as those fitted to the McLaren P1™, can also be specified.

Three new exterior colours celebrate the Spider’s introduction, with Curacao Blue, Vega Blue and Sicilian Yellow joining the existing Sports Series palette and giving Spider customers a choice of 20 colours in total. The new hues dramatically showcase the complex forms of the aluminium bodywork and unique-in-class dihedral doors, particularly when combined for added visual impact with an optional Dark Palladium grey contrast finish on the roof, windscreen pillars and rear buttresses.

An all-new, 10-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheel design (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) has been crafted as an option for the new 570S Spider. For further differentiation, a new brake caliper colour, Liquid Black, is also available.

Available to order now from more than 80 McLaren retailers worldwide, each 570S Spider is hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, England.

The new McLaren 570S Spider will make its public debut on 29th June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex, UK and the first cars are scheduled to be delivered to customers in August.